Final: Westfield 28, Minnechaug 14

Also, hear what Coach Bill Moore and leading rusher Ryan Veillette had to say in their post-game interviews:

Postgame Thoughts: Talking to Westfield coach Bill Moore after the game, he wouldn't give credit to his game plan. I will though. The Bombers controlled the game clock in both halves with their running game. On a number of occasions, Westfield converted on 3rd and 4th-and-longs to keep those drives going, and most importantly, the clock churning.

A lot should be said about the Bombers' versatility on offense. With leading rusher Tim Gaylord sidelined, the Moore has moved the original starting QB Brad Mulville into the backfield and put wide out Cliff Laraway under center. Tonight, though, on most passing plays, junior Cam Collins was at the QB spot. And that rotation worked, as Collins connected with Mulville just before the half on a 16-yard score.

All in all, it was the win the Bombers needed to stay in the AA Conference playoff hunt. The Falcons --- although still very much in the picture --- can't be happy with the loss. I thought their defense did a good job of avoiding the home run. But in the end, Westfield's ability to run the clock and convert when it needed to was the story of the game.

4th quarter:

The Falcons had their chances in the fourth but couldn't connect on a few tries in the end zone. With that, they were forced to punt, giving Westfield the ball at midfield. From there, the human rain delay known as Ryan Veillette began pounding out run after run as the clock ticked. In the end, he ran in his second touchdown from three yards our, giving the Bombers the 28-14 lead and victory.

3rd quarter:

'Chaug managed its inaugural first down 1:34 into the third quarter. Less than two minutes later the Falcons scored their first touchdown. Antony Daniels took a hand-off 53 yards and Craig Poppe's kick was good, putting Minnechaug on the board.

After its first defensive stop of the night the falcons found the end zone again. This time it was through the air as quarterback Drew Schwendenmann hit Mike Lavoie on a slant that resulted in a 34-yard touchdown.

After the kick, 'Chaug only trails by seven.

2nd Quarter:

Ben says:

Westfield did its job keeping the 'Chaug offense off the field, capping a 10:47 drive with a seven-yard strike from running back Brad Mulville. Mulville also ran in the 2-point conversion to make it 14-0 Bombers. Just before the half, Westfield managed another score, sending the Falcons into halftime trailing by 21. QB Cam Collins connected with Mulville on a 16-yard pass as time expired.

Minnechaug ran just eight offensive plays in the first half two of which were punts. It's likely the 'Chaug defense will want to get the ball back early in the second half.

1st Quarter:

(Thanks to the wonders of the telephone and some fast typing, we bring you a first quarter update.)

Ben says:

After one quarter of play Westfield takes a six nothing lead after a 5:57 drive to open the game. Ryan Viellette did the deed scoring from three yards out midway through the quarter. 'Chaug couldn't convert on their first third and long and punted to Westfield, who are still driving as the second quarter begins.

UPDATE: Due to technical difficulties, Varsity Voice will be providing limited updates for Westfield vs. Minnechaug. Stay tuned after the game for a full recap of the game.

Coming up at 7:00 p.m. sharp, we'll have the Westfield vs. Minnechaug bout live from Wilbraham.

The Falcons faltered a bit early on but have done everything they can to amend that. They could keep on track with a win over Westfield. Meanwhile, the Bombers, have not had as much luck in the conference as they had hoped. A win over 'Chaug, though, would most certainly change that.

Make sure you're back for the kickoff. We'll have live updates and commentary, followed by postgame statistics and analysis.